Former Miami Dolphins tight end Julius Thomas announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday in an article for the Players’ Tribune.

Thomas detailed his plan to go back to school to obtain a doctorate in psychology and study “the effects of contact sports on brain trauma and neurobehavioral performance.”

The 30-year-old Thomas wrote he was comfortable walking away from the NFL after seven seasons.

“I’m ready to admit that I’m okay with giving up the identity of ‘Julius the football player,’ ” Thomas wrote. “I’m O.K. with not being recognized as an NFL athlete — because I’m more than that,” Thomas wrote. “I have stepped out of my identity before, and I will continue to do it again and again throughout life. I believe helping others is what I’m supposed to be doing at this point in my life. Hopefully I can help by encouraging more of my peers to connect with who they are outside of the game. If ultimately that’s what I’m remembered for, I’d be very thankful.”

Thomas spent the 2017 season with the Dolphins after previous stops with the Broncos and Jaguars. In 14 games last season, Thomas recorded 41 receptions for 388 yards and three touchdowns. The Dolphins released Thomas in March prior to the start of free agency.

During his seven seasons in the league, Thomas registered 226 career receptions for 2,406 yards and 36 touchdowns.

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